Monday, March 19, 2007

Millenium FEAST

Tonight we drove up to San Francisco to have dinner with Musty's mom, who is passing through California (from Florida on her way to a ski trip in Canada)... She's not a vegetarian, but she is always very sweet and enthusiastic about my vegan diet, and willing to try anything. So, I made us a reservation at the illustrious all-vegan, gourmet Millenium Restaurant. Musty and I ate there once, many years ago and we weren't that impressed. But they've moved, and got a new chef, and we've heard nothing but great reviews... so off we set.

I was egging everyone on to order as many courses as possible, mostly just so that I could try everyone's dish! haha. They were very obliging. :)

Verdict: I think Musty's was my favorite - it was light, very flavorful, and fun to eat. Also, you don't get to eat many vegan Caesar salads, so that was very special. Mine was good, but a bit filling for an appetizer (don't worry - I didn't let that stop me!). The Crusted Mushrooms were GREAT! (and as you know, I'm not a mushroom fan). The sauce was rich, and the crusty mushrooms were so light and delicious. Musty's mom was the stellar for me - not bad by any means, but not a flavor explosion either.

I chose: Pineapple Gingerbread with Caramelized Pineapple, Caramel Sauce, and "Ice Cream" (it was so good, but I don't remember what flavor the ice cream was)

Verdict: GOOD GOOD & GOOD! Oh man! Such elegant, complex and delicious desserts. Musty's Mom's was very light, and very delicate. A nice after dinner treat. Mine was rich and moist and sweet and sugary. Musty's was so very amazing - very, very rich and perfectly balanced with the tangy raspberry sauce. Musty "couldn't finish his" (how sweet!) and it pushed me over the brink of pleasantly full into seriously full - but somehow I struggled my way through the last few bites. That white chocolate cream was crazy good!

Final Verdict - wow! What a very elegant, complex, and sophisticated meal. Delicious and surprising flavors and textures. Very balanced, very very good. Also, I might add, very very expensive. This is most definitely a save-up and splurge on a special occassion place. But once you've resigned yourself/prepared yourself for that - it's nothing but joy and pleasant surprises for the palette!

That meal looks fantastic- good thing you guys got an excuse for a special night out! And how nice of the waitress to throw in that free dish. I have to admit that last time we were in S.F., Daiku and I had every intention of going to Millenium but decided at the last minute that we couldn't afford it. {blush}